Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating multiple imaging procedures for a patient

ABSTRACT

A method of performing multiple imaging procedures on a patient includes injecting contrast fluid from a removable contrast fluid container into the patient, generating at least a first contrast-enhanced image of the patient using a first imaging system, disconnecting the removable contrast fluid container from an injector system, moving the patient and the removable contrast fluid container from the first imaging system to a second imaging system, generating an image of the patient using the second imaging system, and moving the patient and the removable contrast fluid container from the second imaging system to the first imaging system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/363,918, filed on Mar. 13, 2002, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus, systemsand methods for facilitating or performing multiple imaging proceduresfor or on a patient and, more particularly, to an apparatus, systems andmethods for facilitating multiple angiographic/fluoroscopic and magneticresonance imaging procedures, including contrast-enhanced versions ofthose procedures, for or on a patient.

[0003] A number of diagnostic imaging techniques are currently availablefor treating patients. These include angiographic, fluoroscopic,computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI/NMR) and ultrasoundimaging techniques. The images produced by these imaging techniques areoften enhanced by injecting contrast fluid into the patient. Thecontrast fluid improves the images by increasing the contrast betweenthe tissue or organ being imaged and the surrounding tissue. Typically,the contrast fluid is injected by means of a powered injectorspecifically designed for use with a particular diagnostic imagingsystems.

[0004] Typically, the diagnostic imaging systems (including theirattendant powered injector systems) are situated in dedicated suites in,for example, a hospital or specialized clinic. These imaging systems aretypically located in different areas of the hospital and are thereforenot readily accessible to a patient requiring more then one type ofimaging procedures. Consequently, if a patient could benefit from morethen one imaging technique, the patient will typically need to be movedto and among the requisite imaging suites. Especially during emergencysituations, the time and effort required to shuttle a patient to andamong multiple diagnostic imaging suites may have a significant affecton a health care provider's ability to quickly diagnose and treat anillness.

[0005] To alleviate the drawback of having scattered imaging suites in amedical facility, some leading medical research hospitals have recentlyplaced two diagnostic imaging systems—an angiographic/fluoroscopicimaging system and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system—in a singlesuite (sometimes referred to as an “XMR” suite). While these XMR suiteshave potentially reduced the time and effort required to move a patientbetween an “angio” suite and an MRI suite, they have not addressed theproblem of shuttling a powered medical injector and/or contrast fluidsource with the patient between the “angio” and MRI systems within theXMR suite. This problem is exacerbated for MRI systems becauseconventional injectors designed for use with angiographic, CT andultrasound imaging systems, for example, are not compatible with MRIsystems. See U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,648, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

[0006] There is thus a need for a medical injector and a contrast fluidcontainer, such as a syringe or a pressure jacket assembly including asyringe, that can be disconnected from the injector and moved with apatient between multiple imaging systems for facilitating multipleimaging procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an apparatus, systems and methodsfor performing or facilitating multiple imaging procedures, includingcontrast-enhanced imaging procedures, on or for a patient. In a firstembodiment, the present invention provides a method of performingmultiple imaging procedures on or for a patient including injectingcontrast fluid from a removable contrast fluid container into thepatient, generating at least a first contrast-enhanced image of thepatient using a first imaging system, disconnecting the removablecontrast fluid container from an injector system, moving the patient andthe removable contrast fluid container from the first imaging system toa second imaging system, generating an image of the patient using thesecond imaging system, and moving the patient and the removable contrastfluid container from the second imaging system to the first imagingsystem.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes connectingthe removable contrast fluid container to the injector system, injectingcontrast fluid from the removable contrast fluid container into thepatient, and generating at least a second contrast-enhanced image of thepatient using the first imaging system.

[0009] In a most preferred embodiment, the first imaging system is anangiographic (which includes, but is not limited to, fluoroscopic andradiographic techniques) imaging system, the second imaging system is amagnetic resonance imaging system and/or the injector system is anangiographic injector system. However, in alternate embodiments, one ormore of the first and second imaging systems and the injector system isselected from, but not limited to, computed tomography and ultrasoundimaging and injector systems.

[0010] Further, in a preferred embodiment, the removable contrast fluidcontainer comprises a syringe that is removably connected to aninjector. In a most preferred embodiment, the syringe is at leastpartially surrounded by a pressure jacket to prevent the syringe frombursting under angiographic pressures, which often exceed 1000 p.s.i.and may reach pressures of 1200 p.s.i. Preferably, the injector, syringeand/or pressure jacket are of the front-loading variety.

[0011] A fluid path, such as a connector tube, is connected at one endto the removable contrast fluid container, such as the fluid dischargeend of the syringe, and at the other end to a catheter disposed in apatient. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid path remains connected tothe removable contrast fluid container and the catheter after theremovable contrast fluid container is disconnected from the injector.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid path includes a stopcockthat is activated to close and open the fluid path to the patient.Preferably, the fluid path to the patient is closed prior todisconnecting the removable contrast fluid container from the injectorsystem. Further, the fluid path to the patient is preferably openedafter the removable contrast fluid container is reconnected to theinjector system.

[0013] The removable contrast fluid container is preferably formed ofnon-ferromagnetic material and is designed to not substantiallyinterfere with an electromagnetic field of the magnetic resonanceimaging system. These features are desired to substantially prevent theremovable contrast fluid container from interfering with the operationof a magnetic resonance imaging system, which can be manifested byartifacts created in the images generated by the magnetic resonanceimaging system.

[0014] In an alternate embodiment, and preferably when the contrastfluid is compatible with different imaging procedures, the removablecontrast fluid container may be compatible with powered injectorsspecifically designed for the respective imaging systems. For example,the removable contrast fluid container may be connected to anangiographic injector for a first imaging procedure on a patient andthen removed and connected to a CT injector for a second imagingprocedure.

[0015] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides aninjector system including an injector, a front-loading pressure jacketassembly and a syringe. Preferably, the injector includes a housing anda retaining mechanism associated with the housing. The retainingmechanism includes at least one retaining flange. The front-loadingpressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jacket having a front endand a rear end, the rear end adapted to receive a syringe insertedtherein, and a mounting member operably associated with the rear end ofthe pressure jacket. The mounting member includes at least one mountingflange adapted to releasably engage the at least one retaining flange ofthe retaining mechanism.

[0016] The mounting member is preferably formed of a non-ferromagneticmaterial, such as stainless steel, and the pressure jacket is preferablyformed of a polymeric material, such as polycarbonate. The syringeincludes a body defining a rear end and a fluid discharge end, and aplunger movably disposed within the body. The syringe is preferablyformed of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene orTPX.

[0017] In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a systemfor performing multiple imaging procedures on or for a patient. Thesystem includes a first imaging system, a second imaging system, and aninjector system. In a preferred embodiment, the first imaging system isan angiographic imaging system, the second imaging system is a magneticresonance imaging system and the injector system is an angiographicinjector system. In alternate embodiments, more than two imagingsystems, for example, CT, ultrasound and PET imaging systems, may beused.

[0018] The injector system preferably includes an injector, afront-loading pressure jacket, and a syringe. Preferably, the injectorincludes a housing and a retaining mechanism associated with thehousing. The retaining mechanism includes at least one retaining flange.The front-loading pressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jackethaving a front end and a rear end, the rear end adapted to receive asyringe inserted therein, and a mounting member operably associated withthe rear end of the pressure jacket. The mounting member includes atleast one mounting flange adapted to releasably engage the at least oneretaining flange of the retaining mechanism. The mounting member ispreferably formed of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as stainlesssteel, and the pressure jacket is preferably formed of a polymericmaterial, such as polycarbonate. The syringe includes a body defining arear end and a fluid discharge end, and a plunger movably disposedwithin the body. The syringe is preferably formed of a polymericmaterial, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or TPX.

[0019] By providing an apparatus, systems and methods for moving orshuttling a medical injector and/or a contrast fluid container, such asa syringe or bulk contrast container, with patients between or amongmultiple (i.e., two or more) imaging systems, which may be included in asingle suite, such as an XMR suite, the present invention provides orfacilitates prompt and efficient diagnostic imaging, includingcontrast-enhanced imaging, of patients, thereby improving a health careprovider's ability to more quickly diagnose and treat illness.

[0020] The present invention, along with the attributes and attendantadvantages thereof, will best be appreciated and understood in view ofthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a suite including two differentimaging systems.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a powered injector that may beused with or in the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodimentof the pressure jacket assembly of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate powered injector thatmay be used with or in the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure jacketassembly used with the powered injector shown in FIG. 4.

[0026]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate poweredinjector and pressure jacket assembly that may be used with or in thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate poweredinjector and front-loading syringe that may be used with or in thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention is discussed herein primarily with respectto an angiographic/fluoroscopic imaging system and a magnetic resonanceimaging system placed in a single suite (sometimes referred to as an“XMR” suite). However, other and additional imaging systems, includingCT, PET and ultrasound imaging systems, can be included in the suitedepending on the application.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention includes an angiographic/fluoroscopic (“angio”) imaging system10 and a magnetic resonance (“MR”) imaging system 20 located in a commonroom or suite 30 (sometimes referred to as an XMR suite). Although thepresent invention is discussed herein in terms of a single or commonsuite, the invention contemplates that the two imaging systems may alsobe located in adjoining or relatively adjacent suites.

[0030] The imaging systems 10, 20 each include a bed 12, 22,respectively on which a patient being imaged lies. An angiographicinjector 40, such as the Mark V ProVis® injector sold by Medrad, Inc.,the assignee of the present application, is positioned adjacent to theangio system 10 on a separate stand or is preferably attached to the bed12, for easy access to the patient for a contrast injection. A MRinjector 50, such as the Spectris® injector sold by Medrad, Inc., mayalso be positioned adjacent to the MR system 20 for contrast injections.

[0031] Because angio injectors are not currently designed to also becompatible with MR systems (due, for example, to the permanent-magnet DCmotors, AC power supply and RF emissions attendant with or required forthose injectors), the angio injector 40 must be positioned sufficientlyremote (usually within 5-20 feet) from the MR system to precludesubstantial interference between and among the MR system 20, the angioinjector 40 and the angio system 10. Typically, as shown in FIG. 1, theangio injector 40 should be positioned outside of the 5 Gauss field linedeveloped by the MR system.

[0032] A stand-alone angiographic injector is shown in FIG. 2. Thisinjector may be used with or in the present invention as the angioinjector 40 shown in FIG. 1. The injector 40 includes an injector head42 having a pressure jacket assembly 44 mounted thereon. The injectorhead preferably includes a drive member or piston (see piston 456 inFIG. 6) for engaging a plunger in a syringe. The pressure jacketassembly 44 includes a pressure jacket 46 and a removably syringe 48disposed therein. As described in more detail below, the syringe 48preferably is rear- or breech-loaded into the rear end of the pressurejacket 46, and then the combined pressure jacket assembly 44 isfront-loaded and connected to the injector head 42.

[0033] After the pressure jacket assembly 44 is front-loaded onto theinjector head 42, a patient connector tube 60, which preferably includesa three-way or four-way stop-cock 62, is connected between the fluiddischarge outlet of the syringe 48 and a catheter (not shown) placed inthe patient (not shown). In many applications, a hand-held syringe 64may be connected to a port of the stopcock 62 to, for example, injectora therapeutic drug or conduct a test injection of a small amount ofcontrast.

[0034] A preferred embodiment of the pressure jacket assembly 44 and aninjector head retaining mechanism 70 are shown in FIG. 3. The retainingmechanism 70 may be removably or permanently mounted on the injectorhead 42 (see FIG. 2) for retaining the pressure jacket assembly 44thereon. The pressure jacket assembly 44 is preferably releasably orremovably connected to the retaining mechanism 70 by means of a bayonetconnection. To implement the bayonet connection, the retaining mechanism70 preferably includes two retaining flanges 72 formed in an interface74 therein. The pressure jacket 46 preferably includes two complementarymounting flanges 47 formed thereon for mating with the retaining flanges72. Further, the pressure jacket 46 may include a sealing or biasingflange 49 for abutting a peripheral edge 76 of the retaining mechanism70 when the pressure jacket 46 or pressure jacket assembly 44 is mountedthereon.

[0035] To prepare the injector 40 for an injection procedures, thepre-loaded or prefilled syringe 48 is rear- or breech-loaded into thepressure jacket 46 and the combined pressure jacket assembly 44 isinserted into the retaining mechanism 70 (see Arrow A in FIG. 3) andthen rotated (see Arrow B) to engage the two mounting flanges 47 withthe two retaining flanges 72. A similar bayonet apparatus forfront-loading a syringe onto an injector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,383,858, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.In addition, a syringe that may be used with the pressure jacket 46 isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,980, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The pressure jacket 46, including the flanges 47 and the biasingflange 49 may be formed of a polymeric material, includingpolycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment, however, the flanges 47 and/orthe biasing flange 49 may be part of a separate sleeve or adapter thatis attached or connected to the rear end of the pressure jacket 46. In amost preferred embodiment, the sleeve is formed of a non-ferromagneticmaterial, such as stainless steel, so as not to be drawn into the MRsystem 20 by the strong magnetic field generated thereby. Preferably,the sleeve is press-fit onto the rear end of the pressure jacket 46 andmost hold approximately 2400 lbs.-force to accommodate the rated fluidpressure generated by the angio injector 40. In addition, an adhesive,such as Scotch-Weld™ epoxy adhesive provided by 3M, may be placedbetween the pressure jacket 46 and the sleeve.

[0037] In addition to the pressure jacket assembly 46 discussed above,other pressure jacket assemblies and syringes may be used with or in thepresent invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thefront-loading pressure jacket assembly 300, including the pressurejacket 310 and the syringe 320, may be used. In this embodiment, thesyringe 320 includes structure on a front end thereof that mates withcorresponding structure on the front end of the pressure jacket 310 tolock the syringe thereto. The structure and operation of the pressurejacket assembly 300 is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,031, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] Further, the pressure jacket assembly 400 shown in FIG. 6 may beused with or in the present invention. In this embodiment, the syringe422 includes structure on the front end thereof that mates withcorresponding structure on the interior of the front end of the pressurejacket 488. The structure and operation of the pressure jacket assembly400 is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, the contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a front-loading syringe522 (without an enclosing pressure jacket) may be used with or in thepresent invention. The structure and operation of the front-loadingsyringe 522 is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient(not shown) is brought into the XMR suite shown in FIG. 1 and placed onthe table 12 of the angio system 10. A contrast fluid container, such asa syringe, is placed in a pressure jacket that is mountable (seeassembly 44) or is already mounted (see assemblies 300, 400) on theangio injector 40 or is mounted directly (see syringe 522) on the angioinjector 40. A connecting tube 60 is connected to the syringe 48, 320,422, 522, and contrast is forced through the tubing to remove the airtherefrom. After the air is purged from the connecting tube 60, the endof the tube 60 is connected to the catheter (not shown) in the patient.The stopcock 62, if provided with the connecting tube 60, is activatedto open the fluid path from the syringe 48, 320, 422, 522 to thepatient. A contrast injection is performed and one or more images of thepatient are generated by the angio system 10.

[0041] After the angio procedure is completed, the stopcock (ifprovided) is activated to close the fluid path to the patient. Thepressure jacket assembly 44 or the syringe 320, 422, 522 may be removedfrom the injector (with the connecting tube 60 preferably stillconnected between the syringe 48, 320, 422, 522 and the patient) andplaced with or adjacent to the patient (e.g., on a bed, table orgurney). The patient (and the pressure jacket assembly 44 or the syringe320, 422, 522) is then moved to the adjacent MR system 20 for an MRimaging procedure. After the MR imaging procedure is completed, thepatient (including the pressure jacket assembly 44 or the syringe 320,422, 522) may then be returned to the adjacent angio system 10 for a newangio procedure.

[0042] To conduct the new angio procedure, the pressure jacket assembly44 or the syringe 320, 422, 522 is re-connected to the injector 40, thestopcock (if provided) is activated to open the fluid path to thepatient, the contrast injection is performed, and one or more angioimages are generated by the angio system 10. The first and new angioimages and the MRI images may then be analyzed to diagnose the patient'scondition or illness.

[0043] In other embodiments, additional imaging systems, such asultrasound, CT and PET imaging systems, may be placed in the XMR suiteor adjacent suites for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. Further,if a contrast fluid and is compatible with more than one imagingprocedure, the present invention may be used to provide a removablecontrast fluid container that may be compatible with and used oninjectors designed for or dedicated to the respective imaging systems.Moreover, if the removable contrast fluid container is not compatiblewith more then one injector system, a second or additional removablecontrast fluid or drug containers that do fit on or are otherwisecompatible with the other injector systems may be designed in accordwith the present invention, connected to the patient (via a commonconnector tube or manifold system, as is known in the art) and movabletherewith between and among the various imaging systems.

[0044] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth thepreferred embodiments of the invention at the present time. Variousmodifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, becomeapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachingswithout departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of theinvention is indicated by the following claims rather than by theforegoing description. All changes and variations that fall within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced withintheir scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of performing multiple imagingprocedures on a patient using at least a first imaging system, a secondimaging system and an injector system comprising a removable contrastfluid container, the method comprising: injecting contrast fluid fromthe removable contrast fluid container into the patient; generating atleast a first contrast-enhanced image of the patient using the firstimaging system; disconnecting the removable contrast fluid containerfrom the injector system; moving the patient and the removable contrastfluid container from the first imaging system to the second imagingsystem; generating an image of the patient using the second imagingsystem; moving the patient and the removable contrast fluid containerfrom the second imaging system to the first imaging system; connectingthe removable contrast fluid container to the injector system; injectingcontrast fluid from the removable contrast fluid container into thepatient; and generating at least a second contrast-enhanced image of thepatient using the first imaging system.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe first imaging system comprises an angiographic imaging system. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the second imaging system comprises amagnetic resonance imaging system.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein theremovable contrast fluid container comprises a syringe.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the removable contrast fluid container further comprisesa pressure jacket at least partially surrounding the syringe.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the removable contrast fluid containercomprises a bulk contrast container.
 7. The method of claim 1 whereinthe injector system comprises an angiographic injector system.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the angiographic injector system is capable ofinjecting the contrast fluid at a pressure of approximately 1200 p.s.i.9. The method of claim 1 wherein the removable contrast fluid containerdoes not substantially interfere with an electromagnetic field of themagnetic resonance imaging system.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein theremovable contrast fluid container is formed of non-ferromagneticmaterial.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein a fluid path is connected tothe removable contrast fluid container and a catheter placed in thepatient.
 12. The method of claim II, further comprising a stopcockdisposed in the fluid path.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the step of activating the stopcock to close the fluid pathto the patient.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the stopcock isactivated prior to disconnecting the removable contrast fluid containerfrom the injector system.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprisingthe step of activating the stopcock to open the fluid path to thepatient.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the stopcock is activatedafter connecting the removable contrast fluid container to the injectorsystem.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the first imaging systemcomprises a computed tomography imaging system.
 18. The method of claim1 wherein the first imaging system and the second imaging system arelocated in a single suite.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein theinjector system is connectively associated with the first imagingsystem.
 20. A method of performing multiple imaging procedures on apatient using at least a first imaging system, a second imaging systemand an injector system comprising a removable contrast fluid container,the method comprising: injecting contrast fluid from the removablecontrast fluid container into the patient; generating at least a firstcontrast-enhanced image of the patient using the first imaging system;disconnecting the removable contrast fluid container from the injectorsystem; moving the patient and the removable contrast fluid containerfrom the first imaging system to the second imaging system; generatingan image of the patient using the second imaging system; and moving thepatient and the removable contrast fluid container from the secondimaging system to the first imaging system.
 21. The method of claim 20,further comprising: connecting the removable contrast fluid container tothe injector system; injecting contrast fluid from the removablecontrast fluid container into the patient; and generating at least asecond contrast-enhanced image of the patient using the first imagingsystem.
 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: providing athird imaging system; and generating an image of the patient using thethird imaging system.
 23. The method of claim 20, further comprising:providing a fluid path comprising a stopcock; connecting one end of thefluid path to the removable contrast fluid container and the other endof the fluid path to a catheter disposed in the patient;
 24. The methodof claim 23, further comprising the step of activating the stopcock toclose the fluid path to the patient.
 25. The method of claim 24 whereinthe stopcock is activated prior to disconnecting the removable contrastfluid container from the injector system.
 26. The method of claim 20wherein the removable contrast fluid container comprises a syringe. 27.The method of claim 26 wherein the removable contrast fluid containerfurther comprises a pressure jacket at least partially surrounding thesyringe.
 28. An injector system comprising: an injector comprising: ahousing; a drive member at least partially disposed within the housingand operable to engage a plunger of a syringe; and a retaining mechanismassociated with the housing, the retaining mechanism comprising at leastone retaining flange; and a front-loading pressure jacket assemblycomprising: a pressure jacket having a front end and a rear end, therear end adapted to receive a syringe inserted therein; and a mountingmember operably associated with the rear end of the pressure jacket, themounting member comprising at least one mounting flange adapted toreleasably engage the at least one retaining flange of the retainingmechanism, the mounting member formed of a non-ferromagnetic material;and a syringe comprising: a body defining a rear end and a fluiddischarge end; and a plunger movably disposed within the body.
 29. Theinjector system of claim 28 wherein the at least one retaining flangecomprises two retaining flanges and the at least one mounting flangecomprises two mounting flanges.
 30. The injector system of claim 28wherein the mounting member is formed of stainless steel.
 31. Theinjector system of claim 28 wherein the mounting member is press fitonto the pressure jacket.
 32. The injector system of claim 28, furthercomprising an adhesive for adhering the mounting member to the pressurejacket.
 33. The injector system of claim 28, further comprising a fluidpath having a first end connectable to the fluid discharge end of thesyringe and a second end connectable to a catheter in a patient.
 34. Theinjector system of claim 33 wherein the fluid path comprises a stopcock.35. The method of claim II wherein the fluid path remains connected tothe removable contrast fluid container and the catheter when theremovable contrast fluid container is disconnected from the injectorsystem.
 36. The injector system of claim 28 wherein the pressure jacketis formed of polymeric material.
 37. The injector system of claim 36wherein the polymeric material comprises polycarbonate.
 38. A system forperforming multiple imaging procedures on a patient, the systemcomprising: a first imaging system; a second imaging system; and aninjector system comprising: an injector comprising: a housing; and aretaining mechanism associated with the housing, the retaining mechanismcomprising at least one retaining flange; and a front-loading pressurejacket assembly comprising: a pressure jacket having a front end and arear end, the rear end adapted to receive a syringe inserted therein;and a mounting member operably associated with the rear end of thepressure jacket, the mounting member comprising at least one mountingflange adapted to releasably engage the at least one retaining flange ofthe retaining mechanism, the mounting member formed of anon-ferromagnetic material; and a syringe comprising: a body defining arear end and a fluid discharge end; and a plunger movably disposedwithin the body.
 39. The system of claim 38 wherein the first imagingsystem comprises an angiographic imaging system, the second imagingsystem comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system and the injectorsystem comprises an angiographic injector system.
 40. The system ofclaim 39, further comprising a fluid path having a first end connectableto the fluid discharge end of the syringe and a second end connectableto a catheter in a patient.